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Early the next morning, as the first ray of sunlight crept onto the window sill, Feng Xiao slowly awoke from deep meditation.
He carefully felt the flow of spirit power within his body, and the corners of his lips unconsciously curved into a satisfied smile. Compared to yesterday, the effect of this meditation had significantly improved—the spirit power in his meridians was more solid, and its circulation was smoother.
"The wisdom left by my ancestor is indeed extraordinary," Feng Xiao murmured softly, his fingertips unconsciously tapping his knee, as if simulating the vibration of zither strings. He believed that as long as he persistently perfected this cultivation method, once his mental force and spirit power control reached a certain level, he might indeed be able to achieve what Tang San's Mysterious Heaven Skill described: "penetrate the eight extraordinary meridians, ascend to heaven and descend to earth, omnipotent."
After a simple wash, Feng Xiao eagerly summoned "Fuxi." The deep zither sound soon resonated in the room, harmonizing with his breathing in a unique rhythm. As his cultivation deepened, fine beads of sweat gradually emerged on his forehead, and his once abundant spirit power receded like a tide.
"Grumble."
The protest from his stomach interrupted his cultivation. Feng Xiao then realized that his excessive focus had made him forget the time. The intense hunger forced him to rush to the cafeteria without bothering to recover his spirit power.
The cafeteria was exceptionally quiet in the early morning; it seemed that no matter in which World, students did not like to get up early for meals. Feng Xiao was about to go upstairs when he suddenly heard a familiar greeting:
"Feng Yao, good morning."
Turning his head, he saw Tang San sitting alone in a corner on the first floor, with a simple breakfast in front of him. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a faint green glow on his Blue Silver Grass Spirit.
"Morning, Tang Tongxue." Feng Xiao smiled and nodded, his gaze lingering on Tang San's slightly tired face for a moment. Then he slowly walked upstairs.
The corner of Feng Xiao's eye swept over the ordinary figure downstairs, and he secretly thought, "Since zither music alone can aid cultivation, what effect did yesterday's 'Yangchun Baixue' have on him…?"
The aroma of food drifting from the second-floor restaurant and the hunger in his stomach quickly dispersed Feng Xiao's thoughts. Without much thought, he took a deep breath and turned his attention to the cafeteria window not far away. After all, ample physical strength was the guarantee for continued cultivation.
After a hearty meal, Feng Xiao's extremely minute spirit power also recovered by more than half. He leisurely walked to yesterday's cultivation spot. The morning dew had not yet dried, and crystal clear water droplets hung on the tips of the leaves, refracting colorful light under the morning sun, like scattered gems.
He found a flat bluestone and sat down, his fingertips gently caressing the zither strings. The zither music began to play leisurely, clear as a mountain spring and nimble as the morning breeze passing through the forest, intertwining with the rustling of leaves around him to form a natural harmony. Unbeknownst to him, deep within the woods, a pair of sharp eyes were quietly observing his every move.
"He changed the song." Tang San, hidden in the shadows, frowned slightly. He slowly sat cross-legged, attempting to re-enter that profound meditative state with the help of the zither music. However, no matter how he adjusted his breathing, he could not recapture the feeling of being one with nature from yesterday.
The zither music gradually ceased, and Tang San opened his eyes, a bewildered expression on his youthful face. "His zither music clearly still has the effect of calming the mind, so why…?" He mused, "Teacher said that yesterday, the zither music led me into deep meditation under specific circumstances. But why not today?"
Careful Tang San noticed that Feng Xiao's performance today was subtly different from yesterday—on certain unique notes, he would deliberately infuse spirit power, causing the zither sound to vibrate subtly. Although this change was small, it made the effect of the entire piece completely different.
"Is it merely because he changed the song?" Tang San shook his head, always feeling that things were not that simple. He looked at Feng Xiao, who was focused on playing the zither in the distance, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. This peer seemed to hide too many secrets that he could not understand.
"It seems I still need to consult Grandmaster," Tang San shook his head lightly, a thoughtful expression flashing in his eyes.
With that thought, Tang San's figure flickered. He executed the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and silently darted towards Yu Xiaogang's courtyard. In the morning light, his figure moved through the forest like a ghost, disappearing into the depths of the bamboo grove in an instant.
Feng Xiao was completely unaware of all this. He remained immersed in the artistic conception of the zither piece, his ten fingers dancing lightly on the strings. Every bit of spirit power was meticulously used by him, like a stingy miser counting his last copper coin. The spirit power required for each note was repeatedly deliberated, striving for the best effect with the least consumption.
Feng Xiao sighed helplessly. How he wished he could play to his heart's content? But with his current spirit power reserves, if he exerted his full strength, he would probably be exhausted before even finishing one piece. This feeling of being constrained was like being bound by invisible shackles, making him feel both stifled and helpless.
Thinking of this, Feng Xiao's fingertips danced even more intently on the zither strings. Every note was imbued with his understanding of music. The zither music was at times like a clear spring flowing, at times like the rustling of pine trees, and with the augmentation of spirit power, it subtly stirred the surrounding air, causing the grass on the ground to sway gently.
At noon, the scorching sun had long since dried the morning dew on the grass. Feng Xiao lay on his back on the soft grass, letting the gentle breeze caress his face. He raised his hand, and sunlight filtered through his fingers, casting mottled shadows on his palm. Watching this scene, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved into a satisfied smile.
"With extraordinary power like spirit power, it truly is vastly different," Feng Xiao murmured softly, "At this rate, I'll soon surpass my peak level from my previous life."
Under the nourishment of spirit power, he clearly felt that his current self was vastly different from his previous life. His playing state had reached an unprecedented level of focus, and his finger techniques were even more exquisite and subtle; every note seemed to have life. What was even more miraculous was that he seemed to be able to vaguely perceive the state of his Spirit "Fuxi"—it was a sense of kinship, like being able to hear the "breathing" of his Spirit.
Feng Xiao closed his eyes, letting this mysterious perception flow within his body.
After an unknown period, Feng Xiao suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils sparkling with sharp light, as if he had comprehended some profound truth.
"So that's it… So that's it," he murmured in a low voice, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "What Spirit? Spirit is merely a name given by Spirit Masters; its essence is the materialization of a Spirit Master's bloodline power!"
This realization was like a lightning bolt piercing through the fog. Feng Xiao finally understood why Ji Juechen could achieve Titled Douluo with relatively low innate spirit power—the key lay in continuously using spirit power to temper the Spirit, which essentially meant constantly strengthening one's own bloodline power. The role of the spirit ring was merely to accelerate this virtuous cycle; the essence of spirit rings and Spirit Bones was also the manifestation of Spirit Beast bloodline power.
"As long as they continuously temper their Spirit and themselves during their growth stage, most Spirit Masters should achieve something," Feng Xiao mused, "That saying, 'There are no useless Spirits, only useless Spirit Masters,' is indeed true. It's just that most people don't realize it, because most people don't know what the essence of a Spirit is."
Thinking of this, Feng Xiao couldn't help but feel regret for Yu Xiaogang. His efforts could be said to be no less than Ji Juechen's. But this "Grandmaster" had completely gone down the wrong path, overly believing in the decisive nature of innate spirit power, yet neglecting the shaping effect of postnatal cultivation on the bloodline. He spent the prime of his youth on theoretical research, thereby missing the best opportunity to change his fate.
To cultivate from innate half-level spirit power to twenty-ninth level was enough to prove the extent of his effort.
Sunlight spilled onto Feng Xiao, coating him in a golden outline. He raised his hand and summoned "Fuxi," his fingertips gently caressing the zither strings, feeling the harmonious connection between his Spirit and his bloodline. At this moment, he was more certain than ever—he was on the right path.
"If someone like Yu Xiaogang dares to call himself Grandmaster, then shouldn't I be called a Great God?" Feng Xiao chuckled inwardly, shaking his head lightly.
He looked up at the sun, then stood up and brushed off the grass clippings clinging to his robe. He had taken leave yesterday to handle enrollment matters, and today, after lunch, he still had to go to Manager Ning's teahouse to perform. With that thought, he put away "Fuxi" and walked towards the cafeteria.
The first day of school at Notting Academy was exceptionally lively. Before even reaching the cafeteria, Feng Xiao heard the continuous clamor coming from inside. He went straight to the second floor, which was much quieter than the first. After casually ordering a few dishes, Feng Xiao chose a secluded corner to sit and wait.
"Feng Yao, do you mind if I sit here?"
A slightly hoarse voice suddenly sounded. Feng Xiao looked up and saw Yu Xiaogang standing at the table, trying to force out a gentle smile.
Feng Xiao was slightly startled, his gaze lingering on Yu Xiaogang's wrinkled face for a moment, a hint of undetectable regret flashing in his eyes. He thought to himself: If this "Grandmaster" could truly change his fate, Bibi Dong, the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall, might have been taken advantage of by him. After all, Beast Spirits that can materialize are rare, let alone a genuine Dragon Spirit.
However, on second thought, misfortune and fortune are intertwined. If Yu Xiaogang had truly achieved something, perhaps there would not have been the Golden Triangle later on.
"Feng Yao?" Yu Xiaogang called out again, seeing Feng Xiao lost in thought.
"Of course." Feng Xiao came back to his senses and made a welcoming gesture, "May I ask what Grandmaster needs?"
Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Will Feng Yao be going to the teahouse to perform later?"
Feng Xiao looked surprised and nodded, "Indeed. Grandmaster, this is…"
"I'd like to ask Feng Yao for a favor." Yu Xiaogang's voice deepened slightly as he gently caressed the rim of his teacup.
A hint of understanding flashed in Feng Xiao's eyes, and he smiled, "Please speak. I will definitely help with anything within my ability."
"When you perform at the teahouse today, could you play the song you played when you and Little San first met?" Yu Xiaogang asked softly.
Feng Xiao gently shook his head: "You mean 'Yangchun Baixue,' right? I'm afraid I cannot comply. The repertoire at the teahouse is always determined by the audience's preferences." He paused, then feigned curiosity: "Could it be that yesterday's song had some special effect on Tang Tongxue?"
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he slowly nodded: "It indeed had some special effects… Precisely because of this, I suggest you take the support system route. You have a unique talent in support."
Feng Xiao sneered inwardly. He knew Yu Xiaogang's intentions all too well—nothing more than coveting his zither skills for Tang San's benefit, wanting to find a free laborer.
"Grandmaster, there's no need to persuade me further." Feng Xiao elegantly picked up his teacup. "Even the best support talent cannot compare to the ability to protect oneself. If you wish to hear 'Yangchun Baixue,' you might as well go to Manager Ning's teahouse. As long as the gold coins are sufficient, I will naturally perform."
Just then, the waiter placed the dishes one by one on the table. Feng Xiao said no more and focused on enjoying his lunch.
Yu Xiaogang's face grew increasingly gloomy, his brows tightly furrowed into a "river" character. He hadn't expected this seemingly naive young man to be so difficult. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "How about this, as long as you are willing to cooperate with my arrangements, I can be responsible for your future spirit ring acquisition. How does that sound?"
The chopsticks in Feng Xiao's hand paused slightly, then he chuckled and shook his head: "You see, this is why I choose the attack system—even the choice of spirit rings depends on others."
Yu Xiaogang secretly shook his head, thinking that he was, after all, an unworldly country child. He said with feigned profoundness: "Even for an attack system Spirit Master, most people cannot obtain the optimal spirit ring configuration. But if you follow my arrangements, I can guarantee that each of your spirit rings will be the most suitable."
Feng Xiao looked up, smiling faintly at Yu Xiaogang, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate one's heart: "Grandmaster, although I come from the countryside, I also know there's no such thing as a free lunch. What exactly do you want me to do? Surely it's not just to hear a song like 'Yangchun Baixue,' is it?"
Yu Xiaogang was instantly speechless, and silence, like a heavy curtain, enveloped the two of them. Feng Xiao continued to eat unhurriedly, and after a long while, he mumbled, "Grandmaster, aren't you going to eat something?"
Yu Xiaogang slowly got up, went to a nearby window to buy a chicken drumstick and steamed bun, wrapped them in oil paper, and then hurried away.
Looking at the receding figure, Feng Xiao's eyes flashed with a hint of disdain, and he sneered inwardly: "He really thinks he's someone important, and he even ordered a song."
Feng Xiao ate with great relish; Yu Xiaogang's arrival did not affect Feng Xiao's appetite in the slightest. If Yu Xiaogang had been more honest, playing a few songs would have been a simple matter, just to build good karma. But if he wanted to play games with him…
Feng Xiao put down his chopsticks. Sunlight streamed through the window onto his slightly furrowed brows, casting an unsuited cold smile on his still-childish face.
Then Feng Xiao got up and left the cafeteria, heading straight for the dormitory. Sunlight filtered through the sycamore trees lining the shaded path, casting mottled shadows on him. Feng Xiao thought for a moment. Although he wasn't afraid of Yu Xiaogang playing games with him, he still felt it was a bit of a waste of time.
"Instead of wasting time here, I might as well focus on cultivating. Or should I go live at Manager Ning's place? But Manager Ning is from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and that favor would be hard to repay," Feng Xiao muttered softly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the money pouch at his waist. The remuneration Manager Ning gave was generous enough to support his long-term stay at a hotel, but the hotel environment was not suitable for cultivation.
"Forget it, I'll go to Manager Ning's for work first. Maybe he'll give up," Feng Xiao murmured, then headed out of the academy.